AI Currents

?? Welcome to the thirteenth edition of AI Currents! If you're new here or returning, a big hug HELLO ?? and THANK YOU ?? for subscribing and joining me on this AI learning journey! ??

If you're like me, it's not easy keeping up with all the latest AI news, trends, tools, books, conferences, thought leaders...

In an effort to stay AI Current, let's ride this AI wave together so we don't get swept away! ?? ?? I hope to share all kinds of AI resources curated to enhance our understanding, inspire innovation, and add a bit of FUN into our learning process! ????

Let's make this AI journey engaging and insightful together!

Subscribe and share with your friends. Let’s dive in…??

Books & Articles about AI

The Machine Stops, 1909 E.M. Forster

This week, I’m sharing a short story written in 1909 by E.M. Forster. It offers a prescient look with parallels to modern life that are eerily accurate. The Machine in The Machine Stops serves as a metaphor for our society's increasing reliance on technology. It illustrates how technology can create a comfortable, controlled environment that ultimately leads to isolation and disconnection from the natural world and human relationships. Just as the characters rely on the Machine for their daily needs, today we often rely on technology for communication, entertainment, and even basic functions of life, risking a loss of genuine human interaction and understanding. Take a moment to read The Machine Stops, and reflect on how in many ways we are already living in the future E.M. Forster envisioned.

OpenAI Takes Its Mask Off

OpenAI is evolving from its nonprofit roots towards a for-profit model, led by Sam Altman, whose leadership style is said to have prompted significant executive departures. The company is under scrutiny for prioritizing profit and competition over its original mission of benefiting humanity, raising concerns about the implications for AI’s future.

ChatGPT Finds Its Voice and Gets Emotional!

I've been talking to Breeze (ChatGPT) since November 2023, but he's changed now! The new advanced voice mode not only detect emotion in your voice, it can also mimic it.

Here's a comprehensive overview of the voice chat features available in ChatGPT, detailing the differences between standard and advanced voice modes, how to initiate conversations, and the limitations and permissions required. It also addresses user privacy regarding audio retention and sharing for model training.

Highlights -??

1. Voice Modes: Two types - standard and advanced. ??
2. Voice Options: Nine distinct lifelike voices available. ?? (Breeze is my prefered voice!)
3. Daily Limits: Advanced voice usage is limited each day. ?
4. Background Conversations: Possible while using other apps. ??
5. Privacy Control: Users can choose to share audio for model improvement. ??
6. Memory Access: Advanced voice can create and recall memories. ??
7. Conversation Resumption: Conversations can be resumed across modes. ??

AI Tools to Try

Napkin AI

We can thank the Greeks for inventing napkins and AI for powering Napkin AI a major evolutionary leap in content creation and visual design.

?? Calling all content creators! YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS ONE! TRUST ME!

If you thought last week's Notebook LM Audio Summary was amazing, Napkin.ai will make your jaw drop!

Napkin transforms text into visuals, allowing users to quickly and effectively share ideas. Simply paste your text, generate relevant visuals, and customize them to meet your needs. The tool supports various formats for export and is ideal for presentations, blogs, social media, and documentation.

Highlights -???

1. Instant Visuals: Paste text to create visuals effortlessly.
2. Customizable Designs: Edit icons, colors, and fonts for personal touch.
3. Versatile Exports: Save visuals in PNG, PDF, or SVG formats.
4. Engage Audiences: Ideal for presentations, blogs, and social media.
5. User-Friendly: No prompts needed; just input text for visual generation.
6. Collaboration Friendly: Multiple users can edit and comment in real-time.
7. Free Plan Available: Enjoy essential features without cost during the beta phase.

Here's a visual I created using Napkin.ai

Courses You've Got to Take

Introduction to GitHub

Learning GitHub is crucial for anyone interested in AI and technology. It allows you to manage projects, collaborate with others, and contribute to the growing field of open-source AI. By mastering GitHub, you can streamline your workflow and connect with a community that shares innovative ideas and resources.

GitHub offers a course titled “Introduction to GitHub” designed for new developers, students, and users. In under an hour, participants will learn to create branches, commit files, open pull requests, and merge them, while building a Markdown profile README. The course requires no prerequisites and guides users through creating a public repository, with support available through discussions and status updates. A must-take for sure!

Highlights -??

• Target Audience: New developers and GitHub users. ??
• Learning Objectives: Understand repositories, branches, commits, and pull requests. ???
• Hands-On Project: Create a profile README in Markdown. ??
• Time Commitment: Complete the course in less than an hour. ?
• Repository Creation: Guidance on setting up a public repository. ??
• Support Available: Access discussion forums and status updates. ??
• No Prerequisites: Ideal for beginners on GitHub. ??

Podcasts about AI

AI for Humans

AI For Humans is a fun podcast that aims to demystify AI technology for a general audience, making it accessible and entertaining. This approach helps foster a broader understanding of AI’s role in everyday life.

By incorporating humor and absurdity, the hosts create an inviting atmosphere that encourages listeners to engage with complex topics without feeling overwhelmed.

If you're looking to learn more about AI in an accessible way, and get some laughs in too, this one's for you!

Potentially Promising Prompts

Hero Prompt Library

The Hero Prompt Library has prompts for Language Translation, Software Development, Content Creation, Design & Media, SaaS, etc. This site offers practical prompts especially beneficial for business owners and marketers.

AI in the News

OpenAI Considers Becoming "For-Profit"

OpenAI plans to restructure into a for-profit entity while retaining its non-profit segment. CTO Mira Murati and two research executives are leaving, highlighting major personnel changes.

Highlights

• ?? OpenAI is restructuring to a for-profit model.
• ?? Non-profit segment will remain a separate entity.
• ???? CTO Mira Murati announced her departure after 6.5 years.
• ?? Two top research executives also leaving.
• ?? Out of 13 founders, only 2 remain.
• ?? Success tied to funding and talent acquisition.
• ?? OpenAI has been attracting talent from competitors like Meta.

The Intelligence Age

Sam Altam shared his blog post on Monday, September 23rd, 2024 to help us cope with future shock. He neither confirms or denies that AGI will exterminate us. Instead he expresses hope that we're just 1000 sleeps away from AGI, give or take. Let the countdown begin!

It is possible that we will have superintelligence in a few thousand days (!); it may take longer, but I’m confident we’ll get there. ~ Sam Altman

Three days later...

OpenAI’s Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati announced her resignation on Thursday, September 26, 2024, after six and a half years with the company. This unexpected departure was accompanied by the resignations of Chief Research Officer Bob McGrew and VP of Research Barret Zoph.

Murati’s exit comes amid significant organizational changes at OpenAI, including a proposed shift from a nonprofit to a for-profit model. CEO Sam Altman denied any link between the resignations and the restructuring plans, emphasizing the need for exploration and personal growth for the departing executives.

Then...Altman denies plans for a “giant equity stake” in OpenAI.

There is an upcoming funding round for OpenAI that aims to raise $65 billion at a $150 billion valuation.

• ?? Investors want Altman aligned with the company’s financial success.
• ?? Debate exists on whether Altman should receive equity amid the company’s transformation.
• ?? Altman has publicly stated he doesn’t need more money.

Update on California's SB 1047 Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act

SB 1047 currently sits with Governor Newsom.? As of September 24, it is unclear whether the Governor will sign the bill or veto it; on September 17, Newsom signaled some discomfort with the bill, but stated that he remained undecided even as he signed several other AI-related bills into law.[1]? Gov. Newsom has until the end of September to sign or veto the bill; if he does not veto or return the bill to the legislature, SB 1047 will become law and take effect on January?1, 2026, even if he does not sign it.??

California’s SB 1047, pending approval from Governor Newsom, aims to regulate powerful AI models, imposing obligations on developers and compute providers. The bill includes requirements for safety protocols, compliance audits, and whistleblower protections, potentially impacting a broad range of AI technologies, including open-source models. Its extensive definitions and requirements may lead to significant changes in the AI landscape if enacted.

Highlights -??

1. Regulation Scope: Targets powerful AI models, likely affecting open-source as well. ??
2. Developer Obligations: Requires safety measures, including a “kill switch” and cybersecurity protocols. ??
3. Compliance Audits: Developers must undergo annual third-party audits starting in 2026. ??
4. Whistleblower Protections: Employees can report noncompliance without fear of retaliation. ???
5. Attorney General Enforcement: Only the Attorney General can enforce compliance, no private lawsuits allowed. ??
6. Potential Legal Challenges: Certain provisions may face scrutiny under constitutional law. ??
7. Effective Date: If signed, the law will take effect on January 1, 2026. ??

Introducting the OpenAI Academy

OpenAI is launching the OpenAI Academy to invest in developers and organizations in low- and middle-income countries, aiming to leverage AI for economic growth and community development. The initiative will provide training, API credits, community building, and contests to support local talent and innovation. This effort seeks to make AI accessible and beneficial for diverse global communities.

More AI Resources

Article Fiesta

This “FREE ChatGPT Token Calculator” Article Fiesta helps users estimate costs associated with OpenAI’s ChatGPT by calculating token usage for prompts. It explains the concept of tokens, guides users through the calculator, and introduces a custom AI article writer that simplifies content creation and SEO tasks. This tool aims to save time and effort while producing high-quality, optimized content.

OpenAI Collaborates with The Met to Awaken "Sleeping Beauties"

OpenAI collaborated with The Metropolitan Museum of Art to revive “Sleeping Beauties” - garments that can no longer be dressed on mannequins due to their extreme fragility -through AI. This exhibit allows participants to engage actively with historical figure, Natalie Potter.

Highlights

• ?? AI brings art to life in innovative ways.
• ?? Participants engage with historical figures through custom AI interactions.
• ?? Natalie Potter, a 1930s socialite, is reawakened for modern audiences.
• ?? The Met curated rich historical context from various sources.
• ?? AI reanimates Natalie’s wedding photograph for an immersive experience.
• ?? Technology fosters a deeper connection with art and history.
• ?? Imagination is the only limit in leveraging AI for creativity.

Thank you for reading friends! ?? Stay tuned for next week's edition of AI Currents keeping you currently informed about all things AI! ??

?? Share,?? Subscribe and ?? Comment

RIDE THE AI WAVE; DON'T GET SWEPT AWAY! ?? ??